If you’ve ever hopped into your car on a hot day only to find your infotainment screen lagging or acting possessed, you’re dealing with a common tech headache. Heat and glare are the primary reasons these displays start glitching, so the most effective fix is simply keeping the sun off the glass. Using custom vehicle sun shades paired with a few smart parking habits can keep your cabin temperature under control and protect your electronics from cooking while you’re away.
Why the Sun Messes With Your Screen
Most modern car displays use sensors that react to electrical conductivity and temperature. When your interior turns into a sauna, the screen’s responsiveness drops. This leads to that annoying lag or “ghost touching” where the screen thinks you’re pressing buttons you haven’t even touched.
Plus, when the sun is hitting the screen directly, it’s impossible to see. Most of us respond by tapping harder or faster, which doesn’t actually help the computer—it just puts more wear and tear on the hardware. Over time, this constant heat exposure can lead to permanent damage, so keeping things cool is more about long-term reliability than just comfort.
Simple Ways to Reduce Heat and Glare
You don’t need a complex fix to protect your dash. It really comes down to limiting direct light and letting the car breathe:
- Look for shade: Even if it means walking a bit further, parking under a tree or in a garage makes a huge difference.
- Block the light: Use windscreen barriers to stop the sun from hitting the dash directly.
- Crack the windows: If it’s safe to do so, venting your windows slightly helps hot air escape.
- Cover the dash: If you’re parked outside for a long shift, a simple cover can act as a final line of defence for the screen.
Habits That Help Your Screen Last
Beyond just blocking the sun, how you handle your car on a daily basis matters. A few small changes can save you from a screen failure down the road.
Don’t Rush the Tech
If the car is roasting, give it a minute. Let the AC run and bring the cabin temperature down before you start messing with the GPS or music. Interacting with an overheated surface often leads to those inaccurate “glitchy” responses.
Keep It Clean
Dust, finger oils, and moisture all mess with a screen’s conductivity. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth every now and then keeps the surface sensitive and clear. Just avoid harsh chemicals that might strip away the screen’s protective coating.
Check for Updates
Sometimes a glitch isn’t actually caused by the sun—it’s just buggy software. Manufacturers frequently release patches to improve system stability, so make sure your car’s firmware is up to date.
Protect Your Display
Ultimately, keeping your car’s touchscreen in good shape is just about managing the heat and staying ahead of the problem. If you combine some basic physical protection with a bit of common sense, you can make sure your tech stays responsive and reliable—no matter how brutal the sun gets outside.